Why Fantasy Managers Should Bench Key Rockets Players in Week 18

Week 18 of the fantasy basketball season is here, and Houston Rockets fans may notice a familiar name popping up on national "must-sit" lists. According to a recent Sports Illustrated breakdown, Amen Thompson is among several NBA players who may struggle to deliver strong fantasy value this week. For fans in Houston, this raises an important question: What should fantasy managers expect?

Thompson has shown bursts of potential whenever he steps into a larger role, but his statistical volatility remains a challenge for managers in competitive leagues. With the Rockets continuing to tweak rotations and balance minutes across their young core, Thompson’s output may not be consistent enough to trust in weekly formats.

Why Amen Thompson Lands on the Must-Sit List

Sports Illustrated highlights several factors. First, Thompson’s role fluctuates depending on game flow, matchups, and the Rockets’ guard-heavy rotation. Second, his fantasy production leans heavily on defensive stats and transition scoring—two categories that can swing wildly from night to night.

For Houston, the priority remains player development and lineup experimentation. For fantasy managers, that creates uncertainty. While Thompson’s upside is real, Week 18 may not be the moment to gamble.

Other Notable Names Impacting Rockets Fans

Brandon Ingram also appears on the list, though for different reasons. Ingram’s shooting inconsistency and injury history have caused frustration for managers relying on steady scoring. While not a Rocket, his designation matters for Houston supporters tracking Western Conference rivals.

Several other league players are mentioned as well, forming a broader picture of Week 18 as a challenging stretch for managers balancing playoff pushes with unpredictable rotations.

What’s Next for Rockets Followers

With Houston continuing its rebuild and young players earning expanded opportunities, volatility will remain part of the equation. This is normal for developing teams, but it does affect fantasy reliability. Thompson will continue to offer long-term intrigue and highlight potential, but Week 18 may be a better time to hold rather than start.

Fantasy managers should monitor matchups, minutes trends, and injury reports closely. As the season progresses, Thompson could become a must-start player again—but for now, caution is the smarter play.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.